2014 Senior Bowl: Offensive Rankings, Previews, and Predictions

Iowa’s C.J. Fiedorowicz will be a focus of New England scouts at the Senior Bowl.(USA Today Sports Images)

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

Last year Eric Fisher flew down to Mobile, Alabama to compete in the Senior Bowl as a likely first round selection. By the time he boarded his plane to fly home he was a surefire top ten pick and ultimately ended up as the #1 selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Senior Bowl is the ultimate showcase for NFL Draft prospects to showcase their ability against the best competition in fully padded, max effort drills. Each year players dramatically improve their draft stock, rise up draft boards, and make themselves money.

Conversely, other players get exposed, overmatched, or outplayed in front of the entire NFL. It’s sure to happen again this year when the 2014 Senior Bowl kicks off next week.

In this Senior Bowl preview I break down the positional groupings, rank the prospects, and make some predictions as to who I believe will leave Mobile a star, like Eric Fisher did last year.

Most to Gain: Stephen Morris, Miami(FL)
When Zach Mettenberger and Aaron Murray went down with injury it opened up two spots on the roster and one of them went to Morris. After coming into the season with plenty of pro buzz, he saw it fizzle with poor decision making, turnovers, and little improvement. Morris has a tremendous opportunity to impress scouts if he can show improved throwing mechanics and accuracy.

Most to Lose: Derek Carr, Freno State
As of right now Derek Carr is generating serious first round attention and with so many teams at the top of the draft needing a QB, his name gets mentioned. Carr has the opportunity to steal the show in Mobile and continue his rise up draft boards. However, a poor week throwing the football will put a halt to some of that top 10 talk.

Overrated: Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech
I’ve watched Thomas play four seasons in the ACC and I still see him make the same mistakes as a Senior that he did as a Freshman. Thomas’ pro potential is predicated on his great size and strong throwing arm, but when it comes to accurate throws and quick decisions, it all comes apart. Thomas could be in for a rough week if he can’t harness his arm and add touch to his throws.

Underrated: David Fales, San Jose St.
I’ve never been a huge David Fales supporter, but he’s getting overlooked in this crowd. Fales doesn’t have an elite arm and plays in a system that doesn’t translate well to the NFL. Fales is a smart kid that should impress in interviews with scouts.

Who Performs Best in Mobile: Derek Carr, Fresno State
All of the stars are aligned for Carr next week. Mettenberger, Murray, and hometown hero A.J. McCarron are out of the game, which means all eyes will be on Derek Carr. He’s by far the most talented passer of this group and should shine in passing drills with his ability to make accurate throws all over the field. The Senior Bowl drills are really geared towards his game.

Most Likely to be a Patriot: David Fales, San Jose St.
I don’t see the Patriots using a pick before the 6th/7th round on a QB. Fales is most likely a later round guy and has the smarts to fit the Patriots organization. However, his arm and system experience aren’t an ideal fit. I feel comfortable in predicting none of these guys will be Patriots, but if I were guessing it’d be Fales.

Most to Gain: Carlos Hyde, Ohio State
Hyde can end up becoming the star of Senior Bowl week. He will enter the game as the #1 RB on my draft board and one of the most NFL ready runners in the entire draft. For Hyde, the Senior Bowl will be important not only for his on the field efforts, but also his team interviews.

He needs to answer questions about his past indiscretions and prove to teams he can be trusted. On the field, Hyde needs to show he can impress in pass protection drills and catch the ball consistently. If he does these things he has a chance to be the top RB selected in May.

Overrated: James White, Wisconsin
White never took the lead role at Wisconsin and his build worries me heading to the NFL. White has impressive burst and speed, but lacks power, and probably never develops into a lead back. On top of that White doesn’t catch the ball regularly out of the backfield, which is something a back of his size has to showcase to be successful at the next level.

Underrated: Antonio Andrews, Western Kentucky
Not many people have seen Andrews play since he is relegated to the Sun Belt Conference, but he’s been one of the best All-Purpose backs in college football the last three seasons. Andrews is a do-everything workhorse that catches the ball consistently and even returns kicks. Andrews has the frame and game to adapt to the new style of play in the NFL. With an impressive performance in Mobile, Andrews could hear his name called in the middle rounds.

Best Performance in Mobile: Charles Sims, West Virginia
Sims should stand out in Mobile because of his vast experience as a pass catcher. With practices geared towards 1 on 1 matchups, Sims’ polish as a route runner and receiver out of the backfield will turn heads in Mobile. Aside from that, Sims doesn’t get enough love for his ability to be an effective ball-carrier. He will showcase an impressive cutback running style which utilizes his vision and burst through the first level this week.

Most likely to be a Patriot: Charles Sims, West Virginia
Sims ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and move around the formation should interest the Patriots. Sims does have some flaws to his game, such as his upright running style and lack of tackling breaking power. Based on his versatility and pass catching skills, both something the Patriots need, he fits best out of the other backs.

Most to Gain: Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State
Well built, athletic Division II Wide Receiver has a chance to impress scouts by showing he can win against the top corners in the nation. Janis is likely to be on the North Squad, meaning he will get matched up with the likes of Darqueze Dennard and Kyle Fuller in practices. Janis needs to show he can hold up against more physical, athletic cornerbacks and show the same level of performance as he did vs. substandard players. The Senior Bowl is even more important for small school prospects like Janis.

Overrated: Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma
Saunders is a dynamic slot receiver and playmaker on the college football field, however Saunders weighs less than 160 pounds. As good as he’s been at Oklahoma, I don’t see his game translating to the NFL and I don’t see teams going out of their way to draft this kid. Saunders has to shine in the one on one drills and more importantly the “get off” drills to prove he’s more physical than his size dictates.

Underrated: Josh Huff, Oregon and Kevin Norwood, Alabama
Huff and Norwood have been underrated their entire career. Despite playing with more talented and physically gifted players, both these guys just make big plays. Norwood became A.J. McCarron’s most trusted WR in key situations and Josh Huff seemingly made a big play in every Oregon game. Huff doesn’t have the size that Norwood has, but he’s much faster, possesses impressive ball skills and body control.

Best Performance in Mobile: Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt
The Senior WR class and this Senior Bowl corps is not very good, Matthews is far and away the best pro prospect of the bunch. Matthews has been productive during his four seasons in the SEC, possesses a physical build, strong hands, and can run solid routes. He recently asked for tape of the Senior Bowl CBs to study before the week. Matthews isn’t the fastest or most sudden receiver, but will use his smarts and ball skills to consistently get open in Mobile.

Most Likely to be a Patriots: Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt
Not sure the Patriots target a wide receiver in the top two rounds this year, but if they do Matthews will be on their radar. An experienced, smart, cerebral route runner, that loves to compete fits all the Patriots criteria. Matthews wouldn’t add speed to the perimeter, but compared to the other WR at the Senior Bowl, he’s the best fit.

Most to Gain: Arthur Lynch, Georgia
A lot of the eyes will be on Fiedorowicz, who’s the best prospect of the bunch, but Lynch can improve his draft stock the most by displaying downfield receiving ability and the ability to inline block. If Lynch shines in one one one drills, he can move himself firmly into that second tier of TE prospects. None of these guys are catching the top tier.

Underrated: Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a track record of sending tight ends in Pedersen’s mold to the NFL. Pedersen doesn’t have the upper-body strength or size to hold up as a blocker in the NFL, but he is an athletic move tight end with good ball skills and strong hands. Pedersen’s receiving skills should keep him in the NFL just like Garrett Graham.

Best Performance in Mobile: CJ Fiedorowicz, Iowa
As soon as Fiedorowicz gets out of that Iowa offense, he’s going to be unleashed. Fiedorowicz is the best blocker on either roster and possesses the type of size and catch radius to beat one on one coverage in practice. It’s widely regarded that Fiedorowicz will have a long NFL career as a traditional inline TE and he will start proving he’s more than just that in Mobile.

Most Likely to be a Patriot: CJ Fiedorowicz, Iowa
This one is easy. The Patriots have a huge need at TE and I believe they will add two TE via the draft, one receiving TE and one blocking TE. Fiedorowicz has so many Patriots connections it’s tough to list them all. He played at Iowa where he was coached by Kirk Ferentz, a Belichick disciple, he was also coached by Brian Ferentz who is the Patriots former TE coach, oh and just for good measure he was coached by DJ Hernandez (brother of Aaron). When you combine the positional need with connections, Fiedorowicz makes a lot of sense for New England.

Most to Gain: Seantrel Henderson, Miami(FL)
Henderson has a chance to come away from the Senior Bowl as the big winner. Without a doubt one of the most physically gifted players at any positions, but hasn’t played up to his potential due to poor effort, intensity, and dedication. If Henderson brings his “A game” to Mobile, he will dominate 1 on 1 drills and start to elevate his draft stock to the point where it could have been all along. Conversely, a lackluster performance, and half-ass effort, will reassure all the scouts that have major character questions about him already.

Overrated: Seantrel Henderson, Miami(FL)
All of the reason I listed above are the exact reason Henderson has been a bit overrated. I am still a believer in his potential and if the right coach taps into his skill-set he could be the steal of the draft. You just never know what you’re going to get from Henderson and that’s a big problem.

Underrated: Ju’Wuan James, Tennessee
Overshadowed by his teammate Antonio Richardson, who could end up going in the first round, James has played at a very high level while playing the opposite tackle. James gets off the ball well and shows the quickness to mirror outside rushers or get onto the second level. James is being overlooked in this game as well with most of the focus on Martin, Moses, and Henderson.

Best Performance in Mobile: Billy Turner, North Dakota State
Turner plays with a nastiness and edge that NFL coaches love. His tenacity and toughness will serve him well in one on one drills. A lot of people don’t know Billy Turner right now, but by the end of next week, more people will be talking about this kid and his nasty finishing ability.

Most Likely to Be a Patriot: Zack Martin, Notre Dame
I’ve been saying it all season, the Patriots need to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Martin is listed as an OT, but many around the NFL see him playing OG immediately in the NFL. Martin is a four year starter at Notre Dame and is the type of experienced, versatile, and smart offensive lineman that the Patriots look for early in the draft. If Martin shines in Mobile he can move himself into the late round mix.

Most to Gain: Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State
Jackson has been a bit overlooked this year, because he’s hidden a way at an SEC school that doesn’t receive much national attention. Jackson is a strong, physical run blocker that creates good movement off the ball. Quick enough to pull, get to the second level, and strong enough to punish when he get there. Jackson can solidify his day two stock with a strong performance.

Overrated: None
All of these guys are solid NFL prospects with varying degrees of skill-sets and talents.

Underrated:Jon Halapio, Florida
A four year starter in the best conference, has been battle tested against the best players. Halapio has superhuman strength and knows how to use his strength to punish his man. Halapio isn’t the quickest or most athletic lineman and can struggle against quicker defenders. Even though Halapio can be exposed at the next level when asked to make reach blocks or get to the second level to cut off backside pursuit, I believe his strength and power is an asset that will play well at the next level.

Best Performance in Mobile: Cyril Richardson, Baylor
Richardson may put on a performance like Larry Warford last year. Warford used his strength and massive size to stonewall all comers and display to the NFL that he was an elite prospect. Richardson combines his power/strength with good enough athleticism that he should dominate in one on one rush drills. Richardson is a tough kid, that carries his weight well, and displays a very strong lower half to anchor vs. power pass rushers.

Most Likely to be a Patriot:Brandon Linder, Miami(FL)
Unless the Patriots opt to pick a OG in the first two rounds, in which case they will opt for someone like Martin or Xavier Su’a-Filo, then I believe they wait until late in the draft to pick an OG. The Patriots have had plenty of success signing interior OL after the draft and developing them on the practice squad. Linder has played primarily OG, but took reps at OT, OC and even TE early in his career. His size for the position and experience are typical things the Patriots look for from OG selections.

Most to Gain: Weston Richburg, Colorado State
Travis Swanson is widely considered the top center in this year’s draft. Richburg can challenge him for the top spot with a standout performance in Mobile.

Underrated: Weston Richburg, Colorado State
Not many people have seen Richburg play, but he is a reliable, steady run blocker, that paved the way for a dominate Colorado State running attack.

Overrated: Travis Swanson, Arkansas
Swanson is a bit overrated due to the fact that everyone expects him to the the top center picked, but I believe there is competition for the spot.

Best Performance in Mobile: Weston Richburg, Colorado State

Most Likely to be a Patriot: Travis Swanson, Arkansas
The Patriots could be looking for a center in the middle rounds of the draft. Swanson has vast experience starting in the SEC, was a team captain for two seasons, and has the best size of any of the centers mentioned.

if you ask me to pick the qb the pats take a chance on for the future its Aaron Murray. He seems like the perfect fit to back up tom and the injury has him on a big slide. Plus him sitting out for the year with his injury wouldn’t bother the pats because of mallet and brady.

If you look where the Pats are going to start with their first pick, and based on where they need to develop depth, they’ll trade out of the first. The prospects I like are all 35 to 70th rated on my board. I hope it will rely on defense throu the draft and offense thru free agency.

Adding my two cents, I would hope Blount is resigned even if it costs more then a little. He is currently our most dependable and explosive RB. Others disagree but I believe Ridley could be traded for good value, 2nd or 3rd rd pick maybe with more picks in 15. JMO. Plenty of RB needy teams out there.
JH rightly puts 2-3rd values on question, always dependind.

Thanks, Steve E. If we could trade Ridley and gets some value, there’s a few RBs i would take a shot at, all being somewhat the same size. Ridley is 6’0 225, i like Andre Williams BC 6’0 220-225 he runs with more power and authority than Ridley and RB/S/LB Karlos Williams FSU 6’1 226, he is the most interesting RB of the draft class because he was star on both sides of the ball and special teams, highly versatile!!!

Both those Williams’ look like they would fit nicely. I’m not saying or predicting Ridley will be traded just I think he has that kind of value. I’m good either way. Russell looks like he found another late round possable in Perkins. He sure has the blood lines and if he has his dad’s hands he might back up Vereen real well. Good one Russell. And good one to you too JH.

Not sure how Andre Williams would translate to the pros, tbh. For some reason I have my doubts on him, given his style – I think he could become a decent RB but not a great one at the next level. Then again Blount isn’t exactly a gaselle either but does the job.

I have both L. Perkins and Karlos Williams on my board but see the former as a change of pace back (like Vereen) and not a 3-down RB. As for K. Williams, I think he should have stayed for one more year in school to better master the trades of the position. His style reminds me of Adrian peterson’s – a longer, more WR-like back but he is not as fast or quick. Can see him fall to very late in the draft and even go undrafted or get taken in the 4th, depending on the combine. Should have stayed at FSU for one more year, imo.

Guys I am looking at for power RBs are Terrence West and Jeremy Hill (Steven Jackson size and quickness but off-field issues may make him fall deeper than his talent would suggest). Both could be available in the 4th, imo.

To make it more interesting, I think the Pats could benefit from adding a stockier player at the position, who is shiftier and more compact but still adds a punch (in the form of Ray Rice). They just signed Jonas Gray, who fits the bill but I’d be on the lookout for possibly Tim Flanders (a possible 7th rounder but he’s been garnering attention lately) too, who is quick/fast enough to serve as a change of pace Rb too. This type of player could potentially replace Boldon on the roster as I still think Ridley’s trade value would be too low now to make any trade worthwhile.

ACM, One of my favorite players in this draft is a 7th rounder, the player JC Copeland FB/DT 6’1 280 LSU He is a human wrecking ball of a blocker, very fast for his size and he can catch. Copeland would be great for our running game, we can line him up as a single back, screens, put him in space, and once he gets rolling, no LB,CB, or S would want to get in his way. An absolute weapon, think of the possibilities.

West isn’t a burner but isn’t slower than many if not most power RBs out there. Maybe your youtube was just laggy 😀

I had Hyde on my board back at the beginning of the season when he was more of an under-the-radar player. Now I am afraid his stock is higher than where the Pats may be willing to look for a RB, which is why I am no longer considering him as an option.

Not too familiar with Copeland, tbh. The only FB I have been looking at in this draft is Tray Millard, who reminded me of Ravens’ Leach for being pretty useful in the passing game as sort of a TE too. Also Millard circumstances (ACL injury iirc) would have him fall much deeper than he was likely gonna be drafted otherwise. Was basically looking at the value.
With the things are now – Pats O heavily reliant on the run-game and thus revitalizing the value of the FB position – I wouldn’t be surprised if they have at least 2-3 FBs in training camp and not just Develin.

I’m definitely on the hoping we resign Blount bandwagon. Talib is the clear cut #1 resign guy for me, but after that it is Blount and Edelman. If a reasonable deal can be done, I hope we do it.

We are unlikely to be able to get much for Ridley in a trade. His stock is low, and he has only one year remaining on his rookie deal. Given how RBs have been devalued in the league, we won’t get more than a 4th, probably 5th, if we tried to move him.

As for adding RBs during the draft, I’d rather we waited and selected a few UDFAs, or at least didn’t take one before the 6th round. Other more important, and more valuable holes we could fill.

Regarding CJ Fiedorowicz, I think he goes in the 2nd, 50-65 pick range. Ebron, Amaro and ASJ likely get drafted before him … maybe even Troy Niklas too for his superior athleticism.

I consider CJF the least likely to bust out in the NFL though as he is a supreme blocker and is very good in the passing game (reminds me of Gronk, tbh, maybe a tad less athletic but not by much). Fully agree with the article that his production has suffered from the O system at Iowa St. Would love to see what he would do with the Pats.

I would say Fiedorowicz might be a better athlete than Troy Niklas. Or maybe the best way to put it is that Fiedorowicz’s athleticism translates to his game. Niklas has tremendous upside but is kinda stiff and slow sometimes developing his routes. Fiedorowicz is quite the athlete he was just criminally underused at iowa

I don’t disagree one bit with the above, if I am understanding you correctly. I was referring to Niklas being the better athlete from a purely physical point of view. CJF is a much more polished TE than Niklas but in a copycat league, I anticipate teams to fall in love with the idea of having a Jimmy Graham of their own.

Way too often the words “upside” and “potential” are heavily overrated as they tickle ones imagination.

Out of CJ Fiedorowicz, Ebron, Amaro ASJ and Troy Niklas who is most likely to become a Patriot. As of right now the best case as far as where we pick is 28th 56th 84th without a trade. That being said we all know hoodie when it comes to value which one offers the best value at or around those picks if available. Secondly who fits the Pats style of play. 3rdly who has the mentality that BB looks for. My guess is CJ Fiedorowicz at pick 56 if available right now. For me I just don’t see BB using a 1st rd pick on a TE and I don’t see either Ebron Amaro or ASJ being around at pick 56 but who knows.

1. Jace Amaro TE Texas Tech
The most talented TE in this draft. Would complement Gronk nicely and give Brady a nice weapon to throw too.
2. (Texans) Bradly Roby, CB, Ohio State
Bill is friends with Urban Meyer and Roby is extremely talented. Borderline first round pick and could start opposite of Dennard if Talib leaves. Even if Talib stays having four talented CBs has never hurt anyone.
2. Dominique Easley, DT, Florida
It could be a redshirt season for Easley as he is rehabbing a torn ACL. He is more of a pass rushing threat than run stopper but a rotation feature Chris Jones, Armstead and Easley inside at DT would give opposing QBs nightmares.
3. Daniel McCullers, DT, Tennessee
Wilfork is getting older and probably wont be able to play right away for New England. Kelly is also aging so bringing in a giant body like McCullers to dominate the line and open up gaps for the other DT. The Patriots are not afraid to double dip in a position to get maximum value.
4. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama
This will be Brady’s successor. McCarron has the intelligence and accuracy to be a good Pro QB. Give him a few years under Brady and he could be a really good QB.
6. (From Texans) Chris Watt, OG/C, Notre Dame
Depth for the Patriots OL. He is a project but it gives Scar a talented player to mold into a starting interior lineman.
6. (From Eagles) Ronald Powell DE/OLB Florida
Powell should have stayed in school and I think he will fall because teams will be scared of his injuries and moderate production when healthy. IF he does not get hurt I can see Powell becoming a great backup DE for the Patriots and a rush linebacker on third down.
6. T.J. Jones, WR, Notre Dame
A good reliable possession receiver who plays above his size. He is a great route runner and would add more talented depth to the patriots WRs. Reminds me of Deion Branch. Could be used on kickoffs and out of the backfield. A versatile player that the Patriots love to have.
7. Colt Lyerla, TE , Oregon
Bill is not afraid to take characters and Colt would be an absolute steal in the seventh round as long as he kept his head on straight. Imagine a TE team of Gronk, Amaro, Lyerla and Hoomanawanui.

Wondering what makes you think 1. Amaro is the best TE in the class and 2. that we could some how net the first pick in the second round and a 6th for someone who has not even played well in the preseason.

Bill O’brien helped draft him and he has more talent then half of the QBs they could take this year. Why waste the first overall pick on Bridgewater when you can get a good QB in the second round that he is familiar with.

I do not see Mallette getting traded for anything above a 5th. Once the new season starts and someone’s starter goes down, then maybe. I saw McCullers twice on TV this year. He’s a huge guy and a huge waste of a pick. Can’t rush the passer, gets driven off the line and waddles after the pursuit outside.

This is game and practices where you make your mock draft as accurate as you can. East vs. West shrine game and practices this week, that game is on at 4pm saturday on the NFL network. Most of your mid to late round talent is playing in that game.